Engagement Session Style Guide - Boston
Welcome, I am so excited to be working with you and can't wait for our time together during your engagement session!
I wanted to created this guide to help you get the most out of your session. It is completely natural to feel nervous before having your photos taken. Hopefully after you read this you will feel more confident and prepared.
I am a big fan of engagement sessions for a few reasons. First they allow you to get comfortable in front of the camera. It also takes time for most couples to warm up to being in front of the camera and understand how I pose. Wedding day timelines can be so tight. My experience has proven that couples that have had an engagement sesssions are so much more comfortable on the wedding day, which shows in the final images.
Second, you will be able to showcase your personalities in a more casual setting that is significant to the two of you (and even include pets). Using your engagement photos for save-the-dates is popular, but your engagement session can be anywhere from 18 months to a few days before your wedding.
There is a lot ot thing about when it ocmes to planning a session and since everyone has the same questions, I wanted to put everything into one place to guide you you through everything i could think of that you need to know.
I will cover what to wear, whether to bring pets and how to manage them, location ideas and more.
A Note to the Groom
I get it. Having your picture taken for 1-2 hours might not be in your top-10 favorite things to do during your downtime. And at first you might feel sort of awkward being in front of the camera. But I think you’ll find that by the end of the session, it’s a lot easier than you thought, and you even had a little fun. I look forward to it because it’s a great opportunity for us all to hang outbefore the wedding day. I have seen so many grooms come into the situation dreading the session and they are surprised how quickly time flew by because they were having fun.
Engagement sessions can take place any time from a few days after your engagement to a few days before your wedding. There isn't a "good" or a "bad" time to take your photos. Normally I will plan your session based on a particular "look" you have in mind, spring flowers in a garden, beach, city style, or based on schedules.
Session typically last about two hours depending on wardrobe changes and locations within a park or neighborhood. Whenever possible, I love to begin a session two hours before sunset. I prefer to shoot when the sun is lower in the sky to avoid harsh shadows and bright sun patches. The first two hours after sunrise is also an ideal time to shoot.
I will schdule sessions during what I believe will be the best light of the day, meaning that it is super important to be on time. If you are late to an evening session, we could run out of light before we've finished shooting and if your session takes place in the morning, the sun gets more harsh as it rises.
Winter
If you are planning to take your engagement photos during the winter, keep in mind that evening sessions could start as early as 2pm to catch the sunset. I also recommend dressing in layers so that you can warm up between photos. A few tissues and some extra makeup will probably come in handy just in case you have a runny nose. Other than that, what is better than snowfall, hot cocoa and cozy jackets and a blanket?
Spring
Even though Spring begins in March, I most couples hold off until late April because the weather in New England is still pretty chilly. When we schedule spring dates, we typically schedule both a primary date and a backup rain date. So much to look forward to fresh flowers and sunny days!
Summer
In spite of the heat, I love summer sessions! The later sunset, sessions can start as late as 6pm. If you are taking your enagement photos during the summer, I recommend bringing extra makeup and a few towels to make sure you stay fresh throughout your session. Walks on the beach, along the river, and strolls through the park hand in hand.
Autumn
Fall on the East Coast is one of the prettiest times of the year. The weather is so nice and the leaves are colorful, but because of all of this my schedule books up quickly! If you have your heart set on a fall engagement session, I recommend scheduling it as soon as possible. Sweaters, colorful leaves, and snuggling close!
Save-the-Dates
If your wedding is local, save the dates should be sent between 6 and 8 months before the wedding. For a destination wedding, you’ll want to send them out 8 to 10 months before the wedding.
If you’re hoping to use your engagement photos for your save the dates, I recommend scheduling your session at least two months before you plan to send out your save-the-dates. Between inclement weather, editing, designing your save-the-dates and printing, two months is generally a safe amount of time to make sure your images and cards are ready.
Guest Book
Using your engagement session photos I can create a customized guest book. A one of a kind guest book that engages your guest to write more than, "best wishes, we love you".
The guest book will not only get your guests to sign it but give you ideas for guest nights, words of advice and special memories you wouldn't normally get with a typical guest book. This guest book is only available
Classic & Elegant
Newport, RI
Lynch Park, Beverly, Ma
Old Manse, Concord, Ma
Boston Skyline Vista
Memorial Drive, Cambridge
Jeffries Point, East Boston, Ma
Mary O'Malley State Park, Chelsea, Ma
Castle Island, South Boston, Ma
Fan Pier Park, South Boston, Ma
World's End, Hingham, Ma (Trustee's Photography Permit needed)
City Scape
Beacon Hill Boston, Ma
Boston Commons/Garden
Fenway Park
North End, Boston, Ma
The above locations are examples and all beautiful but I also love exploring locations meaningful to you!
Rustic
Appleton Farm, Ipswich, Ma
(Trustee's Photography Permit needed)
Maudslay State Park, Newburyport, Ma
Elm Bank, Wellesley, Ma
Bancroft Castle, Groton, Ma
Beach
Beverly, Ma
Swampscott, Ma
Newburyport, Ma
Cape Cod, Ma
Revere Beach, Ma
Salisbury, Ma
Singing Beach, Manchester, Ma
Adventure
Brewery
Apple Picking
Arcade
Pets
Pets are a huge part of the family, which is why I love when a couple wants to incorporate pets into their session. Keep in mind that birning a pet along often means that we will need to choose a pet friendly location.
I recommend planning for your pet to be at the first part of your session and having a friend take them home. We won't use the pet in ever photo so it is nice to have a friend available to hold them between shots.
If you are going to bring a pet, exercising your pet before the session and bringing your pet's favorit toy or treats can be a lifesaver. Depending on your pet's fur type, it might be a good idea to groom them before the session.
When picking outfits I recommend keeping in mind the word “complement” rather than “match.” For example, if one of you is wearing a blue and pink pastel, the other one of you may want to choose soft blue. It can also be a great idea to choose “color-families,” such as pastels or jewel tones.
Generally couples pick two outfits for an engagement session: a more formal outfit and a casual outfit. I recommend saving your favorite outfit for later in the session, when couples usually feel more comfortable in front of the camera. Also, don’t forget to bring a few accesorries! Statement necklaces, cute shoes and classic watches are great ways to add detail to outfits.
Wardrobe Tips: Women
Heels lengthen legs but if your heels aren’t comfortable for walking, bring an extra pair of shoes to slip into in between shots. I love the way larger patterns photograph - just be careful not to choose a pattern that is too small - it may accidentally make your photo look a little too busy. Softer, pastel colors tend to photograph better than bright colors - especially since bright colors could reflect on your skin. We love bright, neon dresses, but I don’t love the neon reflection they add to your complexion.
Accessories
Statement jewelry is a great way to add color or pattern to a simple dress. Lace and tulle look amazing in photographs. Hats and other accessories also add a lot of personality and flare to your outfit.
Dresses with lace sleeves are a great way to help slim arms. Depending on your location, you might want to consider a fit and flare or a flowy dress!
They look great in walking and photos with movement. Choose an outfit you feel comfortable in, but don’t be afraid to dress up!
Hair & Makeup
Engagement sessions are the perfect time for a hair and makeup trial! Professionally done hair & makeup last longer than typical hair & makeup. They also tend to hold up better for humitiy and wind.
I think it’s so important that you look and feel your best for your engagement photos - and if you’re planning to do a hair & makeup trial anyways, the engagement session is a great time to test how your hair & makeup look on camera.
Manicure
There will probably be times during your session when I'm shooting your hands holding or the engagement ring on your hand - which means it’s a good idea to clean up your nails before your session (this applies to the guys too).
A Note to the Guys
You can’t go wrong with a suit and tie. Consider pulling out that suit you had to wear last time you were a groomsmen! Layer with a blazer and a fun tie - you can even wear jeans with this look. Bowties are always fun if it fits with your personality. Be careful not to choose a pattern that is too small - it may accidentally make your photo look a little too busy. Softer, pastel colors tend to photograph better than bright colors - especially since bright colors could reflect on your skin. Cozy sweaters layered over button ups are a great way to stay warm and stylish during the cooler months.
Inclement Weather
It’s typical for me to schedule two engagement session dates. A primary date and a rain date. Having two dates helps me make sure that your photos happen in a timely manner. Coordinating schedules can be tough and I’ve found that the best way to make sure my couples get the look they have in mind for their photos is to schedule two dates at the same time.
I will check in the week of your engagement session to confirm the time & location we’re meeting and the weather. I know it takes a lot of time to get ready for engagement session and it’s the worst to get dressed up and drive out to your session only to have it rain. Let me know what works best for the two of you - but if the weather looks like it won’t be great, we typically try to make the call at least 8-12 hours in advance.
If you are feeling brave and it is just a drizzle, I do have 2 clear umbrella's, but it is all about what you are comfortable with.
Props
Champagne is always a good idea! If you’re planning to bring props to your engagement session, we recommend including them only if they’re meaningful to you. Shots of drinking coffee at a local coffee shop would be cute if that’s where you met or if you both love coffee; however, trying to fly a kite together when it’s not a part of your relationship may come off as contrived.
You are all dressed up, why not make a night of it?
The day of your engagement session is the perfect occasion for a date night (or brunch if your session is in the morning!)
The engagement session is another part of celebrating your love and heading off to dinner is a great way to end the session!
When to Expect Your Images
As soon as your session is over, I will head home to back up the images and begin the editing process. Depending on the time of year or if there is a holiday closure, you can expect to receive your engagement photos in 3 to 4 weeks after your session.
Thank you!!
I know this has been a lot of information and hopefully it covers everything you need to know to prepare for your enagement session! However is there is something I missed, or you need a recommendation, please feel free to email. annekathrynphotos@gmail.com
"What do I do with my hands?"
When it comes to posing for your engagement session, you don’t need to worry about a thing! I will guide you through the entire process beginning with “poses” that are super easy and natural. If I tell you to do something that feels a little funny, it’s probably because I know it’s going to make the two of you laugh - and that’s the photo I am actually looking for.
Throughout your session, I will keep an eye on your hair, makeup and outfits to make sure things stay in place. I want you to feel as relaxed as possible and enjoy your time together!
